Staten Island Music Lessons

e and Clarinet. Performed with various ensembles, groups and bands in musical genres ranging from Classical music to Rock. Taught private music lessons in New York City area for 18 years to students of various ages and levels. For the last 3 years teaching music at a public school in Staten Island. Classes ranging from Pre-K through 8 Grade and including: Guitar Ensemble, Band, Chorus, General Music & Rock Band.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a laid back teacher with many years of experience, which gives me the confidence to make the lessons fun and educational. Even though I am not very strict, I do have some expectations of my students: they will have to practice in order to be ready for the next lesson and in order to improve and show progress. After 3 or 6 months, my students will be able to play songs with various chords already, be able to read simple music and start learning how to improvise.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living Room: Amps, guitars, full keyboard

*** Travel Equipment ***
I would provide the book for the student on the first lesson, however after that the student would have to purchase the book. I will have my own instrument, but the student must have their own instrument in order to be ready for the lesson. I do have a number of guitars and if its a guitar student - I would be able to let the student use one of my guitars on the first lesson.

*** Specialties ***
I teach many various styles and incorporate the reading and music literacy in all of the styles. I specialize in teaching Classical and Rock genres of music. However I have taught: Metal, Bossa Nova, Pop, Punk, Flamenco, Progressive. Teaching classical genre - I incorporate a lot of various techniques that are very broad in spectrum to help the student learn to perform the music, read, improvise and compose. Teaching Rock genre - I teach my students to read music as well and concentrate on improvising and soloing techniques as well.

irection of world-renowned jazz bassist and composer, Rodney Whitaker.

While studying at Michigan State University, I toured with the MSU Jazz Orchestra and performed at prestigious events such as the Detroit International Jazz Festival; the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL; the East Lansing Summer Solstice Jazz Festival; the Lansing Jazz Festival; and the 2011 Elmhurst Collegiate Jazz Festival in Elmhurst, IL, where I was honored with an "Outstanding Soloist" award for Jazz Vocal Performance.

In 2011, I was also featured in I AM ENTERTAINMENT magazine where my music was described as "...sheer and unexpected delight! Her music takes you to another place. That is what great music is supposed to do." In May of 2011, I was also featured on the cover of REVUE Mid-Michigan magazine.

After receiving my Masters Degree from MSU, I moved to New Jersey to pursue my teaching and performing career. I currently teach private lessons and am the Founder and Director of Music Beyond Measure, which creates music recovery programs for trauma survivors. Formerly, I was the Vocal Jazz Ensemble Director for Jazz House Kids in Montclair, NJ. In addition to teaching, I also perform with different bands in the NY metro area.

I have been fortunate to perform with an elite list of jazz musicians, such as Sean Jones, Tia Fuller, Rodney Whitaker, Sean Dobbins, Perry Hughes, Wes Anderson, Ron Blake, Jim Alfredson, Etienne Charles, Diego Rivera, Steve Ritchko, Paul Keller, and many more throughout my jazz career. I also had the honor of being chosen to perform for a master class with Grammy Award-winning artist, Esperanza Spalding.

Although I am mostly trained in jazz voice, I work with singers in various styles, such as pop, R&B, gospel, and musical theater. Whatever style you are interested in singing, I know that I can help you to approach singing in a way that will maximize your vocal potential.

*** Lesson Details ***
I believe that music is for everyone! Whether you are a beginner or a professional, I want to help develop your voice in the healthiest and the best way possible. Whatever your goals are for taking private singing lessons, I will be happy to customize a program according to what it is that you would like to accomplish.

It is extremely important for my students to be well-rounded musicians. Whether you are a country or Broadway singer, you will learn how to sing using classical technique. Aside from technique, you will learn everything from how songs are constructed to how to lead a band and everything in between. No matter what it is that you want to learn, I guarantee that you will have fun while doing it and you will learn how to fall in love with your voice!

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have an in-home studio with a keyboard, keyboard stand, digital recorder, microphone, professional amplifier, sheet music, binders, and pencils. Students don't have to bring anything.

*** Travel Equipment ***
When providing in-home lessons, I would prefer if the family provided a piano or a keyboard. However, if none of these are available, I will be happy to bring any equipment needed.

*** Specialties ***
Even though I am a jazz vocalist, I am happy to teach various styles, such as pop, R&B, gospel, musical theater, etc.

I am also a alumna of the Meadowmount School of Music.

Currently, I am a registered teacher with the Suzuki Association of America and have completed Suzuki teacher training for books 1 - 8 at NYC's School for Strings, where I trained with Ekaterina Gerson and Allen Lieb. I have also completed additional violin and viola pedagogy studies with Ann Setzer of the Julliard School. My students have been accepted to performing arts high schools such as Laguardia Highschool School for the Performing Arts and now perform with ensembles such as Chicago University's Chamber Orchestra.

In addition, I completed both Music Mind Games Units 1 & 2 teacher training with Michiko Yurko in 2012. I incorporate this fun way of learning how to read and understand music theory into all of my lessons.

I have been teaching privately for over 10 years, and look forward to continuing to enrich other peoples' lives through music for years to come.

*** Lesson Details ***
I generally try to tailor my teaching approach based on a student's individual goals with a strong emphasis on proper violin technique. I have the most experience teaching using the Suzuki method, but also utilize more traditional approaches in order to address the developmental level of my pupil. I expect my students to come in with a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and strong work ethic.

With students 7 years of age and younger, I strongly recommend that a parent take lessons for 6 weeks prior to their child beginning instruction. I also insist that parents sit in on their child's lessons and take notes. This enables parents to properly supervise their child's practice, which ultimately leads to speedier progress and a better grasp of the material being taught.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Separate dedicated violin studio in apartment with piano.

I do own three cats (Spork, Pancakes, and Brienne), so please let me know if this is a problem!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I ask that my students please speak to me prior to purchasing or renting an instrument.

Following the first violin lesson, I expect my student to provide their instrument (I can provide a list of resources and rental companies for instruments), a notebook, any music books assigned, a music stand, and a metronome.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical playing and prefer teaching using the Suzuki method. I am currently registered with the Suzuki Association of America. I am also flexible enough to assist a student seeking to branch out, and for those not interested in Suzuki, I am also able to teach via more traditional methods. Additionally, I have an extensive educational background in music theory, I am also able to take those students interested in taking beginning to intermediate viola lessons.

fidence to achieve their goals. I empathize deeply with the challenges students may face when pursuing a life in the creative and performing arts, having worked professionally in those arena's for most of my adult life. I believe, it is the teachers job to respect each students individual process of learning.
My students have gone on to become recording artists, Broadway performers, movie actors, blues and cabaret artists and published writers.

*** Lesson Details ***
Voice
I am an empathetic teacher, sensitive to the students individual process of learning. My singing lessons usually start with breathing and relaxation exercises. Vocal exercise come next, then when the student is fully warmed up, we will begin to work on songs. It is important that the student be part of the process of picking material since the more they personally respond to the material the more apt they are to be engaged in their lessons and the more quickly they will learn. After three to six months they will understand the fundamentals of breathing and relaxation and its importance to proper vocal training. They will have begun the process of extending their range and will understand the principles of performance in song.
Acting
As an acting teacher and coach, I tailor my classes to the needs of each student. I utilize improvisatory and sensory techniques to help unleash spontaneity. I also encourage the students to use their personal experiences as a way to access a full range of emotions. I enjoy working with the student on script analysis, so as to discover the underlying motivations of the character the student is working on.
Creative and Lyric Writing
I use prompts as a way to get the student writing. Often, I will ask the student to write for stretches of time without editing themselves. It is important to unleash imagination before beginning the process of editing. Many times it is the unexpected that is the must compelling.

*** Studio Equipment ***
home- 10 minutes away from Manhattan with piano, seating for parents
-practice studio seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide a piano, cd/mp3 player and an large library of songbooks to work from. The student should bring sheet music of songs they want to work on and a recording device.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in teaching how to sing rock, pop, musical theater, jazz, and blues without hurting the voice as well as method acting instruction.

either of those styles.

My purpose as a teacher: help people have a fun experience, learning in an organized way, adapted to your learning style and goals, while learning to do exactly what you wanted to do when you decided you wanted to play the guitar.

In 1994, I was let go from my job at a music store because I was sick. Which sounds awful, but was the best thing to ever happen to me- it was then I got over my fears and became a full-time musician, teaching and writing and performing. I have never looked back! I may not be a household name, but I am living the dream.

Whether you want to sing to your kids or play for an audience of 50,000, or just play guitar for yourself, you first have to get started.

Wait no longer! The guitar is calling!

and make the sounds that they want to hear.

I have also trained in the Alexander Technique and in sports-focused physical therapy, which aids me in identifying and helping students solve technique problems that are causing issues with playing, or which could cause pain or injury down the line. So far (knock wood) I have not had any student suffer from the repetitive stress injuries which affect so many musicians.

I have been teaching lessons on multiple instruments for over 10 years, and my goal as a teacher is to help you reach your goals, and have fun on the way!

ALENT SHOW (Vocal Finalist), THE GWINETT BRAVES GAME (National Anthem Vocalist), DANCING WITH THE STARS: FOR HOPE (Choreographer and Performer).

JUSTIN GALLAGHER's Directing Credits include- THE WIZARD OF OZ (Muny Version), ALICE IN WONDERLAND, SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL Jr., WILLY WONKA Jr., ANNIE Jr., THE WIZARD OF OZ (RSC Version). NY Directing Credits: COMFORT WOMAN (Midtown International Theatre Festival/Jewel Box Theatre, NYC), COMFORT WOMAN (The Secret Theatre/LIC, NY), BELLA NAPOLI (Manhattan Repertory Theatre), BELLA NAPOLI (The Secret Theatre, NYC), BELLA NAPOLI (Midtown International Theatre Festival/Jewel Box Theatre, NYC).

-**The American Musical and Dramatic Academy - NY Conservatory Program** 2011/2012. (Classes include: Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Acting, Musical Theatre, Voice Production and Speech, Individual Voice, Sight Singing).

-Broadway Dance Center - Ballet & Tap training.

-Tap dance training under the guidance of Tony Winner, Ginny King (Original Lorraine in the Broadway cast of 42ND STREET).

-Regional Winner of the Georgia One Act Competition for "MIRRORS".

-I have seen over 30 BROADWAY Shows and have been Typed in for WICKED on Broadway and National Tours twice at auditions.